Lessons From My Father

Happy Father’s Day to a man whom the world looks up to and seeks for advice, yet we have the privilege and blessing of calling him “DAD”.

Almost two years into writing this blog, I only just realized – firsthand- that history does, indeed, repeat itself. I grew up under the “reign” of a father who guided, protected and provided for us as children, and who has had virtually every ounce of advice we have needed as adults. There was never a school report, standardized exam nor professional problem that could not be addressed in his library at home- leaving no need to seek external resources and making short work of bibliographies, when all we needed to do was quote one man. So today, when so many ask me for advice and I give it sometimes hesitantly – questioning what worth my words might have and sometimes begrudgingly- when I am strapped for time, I realize that it would be a privileged legacy to continue in my father’s footsteps and impart even half the help and wisdom he has given to many over his lifetime.

And, his words:

• On Forgiveness… “Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.”
• On Adversity… “Adversity is the best teacher.”
• On Generosity… “The best measure of generosity is your time freely given to others…”
• On Gratitude… “Never expect nor look for gratitude.”
• On Children… “The best education you can give a child is by the example you set and not the lectures you give.”

Special thanks and credit to those who compiled and published the short book, WISDOM from a Family…by the Children of Abdou and Linda Sabga, 2009 – from which the above quotes were excerpted.